Seltzer & Malloy: A memorial for those in numbered graves

Over 100 years ago, up until 1987, more than 500 patients at Westboro State Hospital were given concrete numbers as grave markers when they passed away. They are buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough.

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

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Posted Mar. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 31, 2013 at 4:50 AM

Posted Mar. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 31, 2013 at 4:50 AM

» Social News

Over 100 years ago, up until 1987, more than 500 patients at Westboro State Hospital were given concrete numbers as grave markers when they passed away. They are buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough.

Every life, regardless of conditions and situations we all face, deserves a dignified end as no human life is perfect, and we should not judge by lack of respect, not properly memorializing our loved ones. Signifying a meaningful life with only a numbered plot diminishes a meaningful life.

In response to this injustice, we are actively planning a significant, dignified and respectful memorial to the more than 500 people who have been forgotten by our society. As we entrust the care of people with mental illness to the Department of Mental Health “professionals,” it is reprehensible and disgusting that this lack of compassion has occurred. This digression is paramount to demonstrating what is fundamentally wrong with mental health treatment overall.

We are encouraging and inviting all people interested in this project to attend our meeting at the Westborough Dept. of Public Works on Wednesday, April 3, at 10 a.m. in the conference room. We should in face have the total support of the Department of Mental Health to correct this oversight. The numeric markings have been in place as a general practice and considered protocol until 1987 by the Department of Mental Health.

Human life should be celebrated even at the end of our physical being. We also wish to acknowledge Ed Clinton, a distinguished architect who has donated countless hours in designing this memorial, as well as Don Gale, director of Pine Grove Cemetery, who has spent countless hours researching the names of those who have passed on.